Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on people proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
